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NIINUTES OF THE <br /> ORONO PLANNING COMMISSION . <br /> Monday,October 16,2006 <br /> 6:00 o'clock p.m. <br /> (#06-3240 City of Orono,Definitions of Basement and Story,Continued) <br /> and, for the topmost story, from the top of the floor finish to the top of the ceiling joists or,where <br /> there is not a ceiling,to the top of the roof rafters. A story that meets the definition of a <br /> "basement"shall be considered as a basement and not as a story for purposes of determining the <br /> number of stories in a building. <br /> 2. Adopt the following definition of"basement:" Basement. That portion of a building that is <br /> partly or completely below the existing ground level. A basement shall be considered as a story <br /> for purposes of determining the number of stories in a building,when the finished surface of the <br /> floor above the basement is more than six feet above the existing ground level for more than 50 <br /> percent of the basement's perimeter. The perimeter of the basement does not include portions of . <br /> the house or garage that do not have a lower level but are merely"unexcavated." Artificially <br /> raising the grade adjacent to the foundation of a structure(by filling or by a combination of filling <br /> and retaining walls) above the surrounding natural terrain shall not be allowed as a method for <br /> converting a defined story to a defined basement,regardless of any other benefits to the property <br /> of such action. Finished grade that increases more than one foot from existing ground level shall <br /> be considered as artificially raising the grade. <br /> 3. Adopt the following definition of"Existing Ground Level:" Existing ground level. The <br /> elevation of the grade at the base of an existing structure,measured at points abutting the <br /> foundation wall, or the existing grade of a vacant lot. <br /> Bremer inquired whether artificially raising the grade would be allowed as a method for converting a � <br /> defined story to a defined basement if there were engineering reasons for the increase in grade. Bremer <br /> noted the City has had situations in the past where someone has artificially raised the grade and then the <br /> new property owner has restored the grade. <br /> Gaffron stated that is a situation that Staff feels would not be considered arti�cially raising the grade <br /> adjacent to the foundation if it is restoring the grade to its natural state. <br /> Bremer inquired whether that language should be included in the zoning code amendment. <br /> Kroeger suggested adding language relating to previously excavated sites. <br /> Gaffron concurred language to that effect should be added. <br /> Jurgens inquired how a subdivision would be handled since there are a number of artificial grades that are <br /> usually created during the construction process. <br /> Gaffron stated the newly established pads would be considered the newly created existing grade. � <br /> Staff recommends that the local builders and architects be notified of this proposed revision. Planning <br /> Commission has the option to table this application or forward it on to Council with a recommendation. <br /> Curhis concurred that all the local builders and architects be notified of the amendment. <br /> PAGE 13 ' <br />